Take Hip-Hop Fashion To The Street

I've seen a lot of fashion articles that give pretty useful advice on the best way to dress casual, but they still seem too preppy. Maybe you could update us on the latest trends in hip-hop fashion — FUBU jeans, bandanas, Lugz, et al.

Thanks,

Gurdeep

pheel the phashion

Hip-hop culture is about the music, the attitude and obviously the "phat" looking gear. Since DJ Cool Herc created hip-hop in the early '70s, there has been an overall shift in philosophy, evolving deeply in the music and obviously, in the clothing.

I remember when Run-D.M.C. "walked this way" in super-slick nylon Adidas tracksuits, and how every kid on the block wanted a huge clock necklace — made popular by Public Enemy's Flavor Flav.

Today, teenagers and hip-hop enthusiasts are following different trendsetters such as P. Diddy (or whatever he's calling himself nowadays), Method Man and even his "airness," Michael Jordan. Hip-hop culture is alive and thriving.

According to Moe from Vibes, an urban fashion store in Montreal, the clientele for hip-hop gear ranges from kids as young as 12 to men in their 30's looking for distinctive casual wear.

Teenagers obviously account for most of that clientele. Whether it's younger school kids, old-school "breakers" or the odd thirty-something executive looking for a cool button-down shirt, here what's currently hip-hop and in style.

hats

Let's start from the top; flexfit baseball caps are still considered the hottest hats among hip-hop enthusiasts. That is, ever since Daymond John started making FUBU (acronym for "For Us, By Us") flexfit caps from his house in Queens. It also helps that LL Cool J started wearing them.

There are a million and one colors, patterns and logos to choose from. So be original and get one that blends with the rest of your wardrobe.

Bandanas are also part of hip-hop style. Choose between the traditional cotton bandana and a doo-rag (i.e. skull cap) à la Ja Rule. For added panache, sport a pair of big rimless shield shades.